Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Friday sought a response from the Election Commission of India (ECI) over alleged lapses in the postal voting process that left at least one government employee unable to exercise his franchise, and posted the matter for hearing on April 21.
The court was considering a petition filed by a state government employee who contended that his constitutional right to vote was denied despite complying with all procedures required for postal voting.
The plea comes in the backdrop of similar concerns raised ahead of polling in the state, which went to the polls on April 9 to elect 140 members to the Assembly.
Significantly, the fresh petition has brought renewed focus on assurances given to the court earlier this month.
On April 8, the ECI informed the High Court that all necessary steps would be taken to ensure that polling personnel were able to cast their votes through postal ballots before reporting for election duty.
The assurance had followed a writ petition by the Kerala NGO Union, highlighting large-scale difficulties faced by government staff deployed on poll duty.
The union pointed out that, under the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, such personnel are entitled to vote via postal ballots.
However, delays in distributing ballot papers had left many unable to do so.
The issue was particularly acute as the postal voting window from April 1 to April 8 coincided with tight logistical schedules.
Several officials reportedly did not receive their ballots even by April 6, while April 8 itself was consumed by the collection of voting machines and other election materials, leaving little time to vote.
Taking note, the High Court had directed authorities to expedite distribution and ensure that all eligible personnel received their ballots before 2 p.m. on April 8.
With the latest petition alleging a failure in implementation, the court’s intervention once again underscores concerns over disenfranchisement of those tasked with conducting the electoral process.
(IANS)
